Major city · Mexico
ZacatlánZacatlán de las Manzanas
Give Zacatlán 2 nights: one full day for the clock factory, canyon and cemetery murals, one for cider and cheese bread. Bus from Puebla is about 2.5 h (check).
Zacatlán is a Pueblos Mágicos town in the Sierra Norte of Puebla, about 2.5–3 h by bus from Puebla or Mexico City. It sits at roughly 2,000 m among apple orchards, so mornings are foggy and cool year-round. The town itself is compact and walkable; the canyon, waterfalls and clock factory are the reasons to come, and two nights covers them without rushing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (cooler, generally drier; check local conditions)
- avoid May–Oct (frequent rain; check forecast)
- Airports
- PBC · MEX
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Zacatlán911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Zacatlán, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetycheckThe sources do not establish current tourist-safety conditions: check local advice and transport conditions.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 All emergencies · 078 Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes / 078)
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPBC Puebla International (Hermanos Serdán) (About 2.5 h by road; most travellers arrive via Mexico City instead.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable in 15–20 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or atole2026 estimate: M$25–50
- Street or quick mealTacos at a taquería2026 estimate: M$100–150
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi in towncheck
- Metro or bus rideCombi from the bus station to the centrecheck
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personMX$250 (≈ US$14)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomMX$900 (≈ US$50)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomMX$1,500 (≈ US$85)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$600 (≈ US$35) · Mid MX$1,100 (≈ US$60) · High MX$2,200 (≈ US$120)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PBC Puebla International (Hermanos Serdán) (About 2.5 h by road; most travellers arrive via Mexico City instead.) · MEX Mexico City Benito Juárez (TAPO bus terminal has direct ATAH buses, about 3 h.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Feb
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Mar
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Avoid
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jul (18 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Zacatlán: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
Feb
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
Mar
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
16 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
18 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
17 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
18 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable in 15–20 minutes end to end. Use taxis or combis for the bus station, Tulimán waterfall and canyon trailheads; there is a taxi sitio on Av. Luis Cabrera Lobato near the Zócalo. Combis from the bus station to the centre cost about M$8 (check).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Chignahuapan
goDoor to door: check
Bus or combi from Zacatlán bus station; check current service
A nearby town for a half-day outing; confirm return departures before setting out.
Xicotepec
goDoor to door: check
Bus from Zacatlán bus station; check current service
Confirm return departures before setting out.
Huachinango
cautionDoor to door: check
Bus toward the Sierra Norte; check current service
Check return departures before leaving Zacatlán.
Cascada Tulimán
cautionDoor to door: check
Taxi from town; check current access and conditions
A major local waterfall; confirm transport and trail conditions locally.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro / Zócalo
Walk to the plaza, church, clock factory and cemetery; 1.5 km (0.9 mi) from the bus station, so take a taxi or combi on arrival.Walk to the plaza, church, clock factory and cemetery; 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from the bus station, so take a taxi or combi on arrival.
Colonia Linda Vista / Paseo de la Barranca
Canyon-side hotels with views; 10–15 min walk uphill to the Zócalo.
Canyon cabins and campsites
Cabins and camping in the Barranca de los Jilgueros area; you need a taxi for everything else.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$500–900 excl. bed
- Mid
- M$900–1,600 excl. bed
- High
- M$1,600+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 2 nights × MX$900 | MX$1,800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MX$1,100 | MX$4,400 |
| Bus Puebla CAPU → Zacatlán, one way2 × MX$200 · 2026 estimate; confirm fare and class when booking. | MX$400 |
| Bus Mexico City TAPO → Zacatlán, one way2 × MX$250 · 2026 estimate; confirm fare and class when booking. | MX$500 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$760 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,090 per person per day, bed included | MX$8,360≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in pesos; long-distance bus fares vary by class and demand and should be confirmed when booking. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or atole | 2026 estimate: M$25–50 |
| Cheese bread (pan de queso) from a bakery | 2026 estimate: M$20–50 |
| Tacos at a taquería | 2026 estimate: M$100–150 |
| Buffet lunch with a canyon viewSeafood buffet costs more. | 2026 estimate: M$180–250 |
| Bottle of local cider | 2026 estimate: M$80–200 |
| Taxi in town | check |
| Combi from the bus station to the centre | check |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Mountain weather can bring frequent rain and morning or evening fog; carry a rain shell.
- The canyon glass overlook has a glass floor; skip it if heights or vertigo are a concern.
- Check local conditions before choosing canyon trails or zip-line activities.
- Bus fares vary by class and demand; confirm the fare and departure time when booking.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes / 078)
- 078
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ZacatlánZacatlán de las Manzanas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies911
- Tourist assistance / Green Angels078
Embassy
No embassy in Zacatlán; Mexico City is the capital and Puebla is the state capital. Check your country's official consular information for the nearest service.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Puebla CAPU → Zacatlán, ATAH: About 2.5 h; fare varies by class and demand. Confirm when booking.
- Mexico City TAPO → Zacatlán, ATAH: About 3 h; fare varies by class and demand. Confirm when booking.
- Combi from bus station to centre: Check current fare.
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- ¿Dónde está la central de autobuses? — Where is the bus station? (DON-de es-TA la sen-TRAL de ow-to-BOO-ses)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Pica? — Is it spicy? (PEE-ka)
- Quiero pan de queso — I would like cheese bread (KYE-ro pan de KE-so)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWE-do pa-GAR kon tar-HE-ta)
Carry cash for small purchases; confirm local payment options.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Zacatlán. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (cooler, generally drier; check local conditions) · avoid May–Oct (frequent rain; check forecast) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PBC and MEX: last bus departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Zócalo and church, clock factory and cemetery, Paseo de la Barranca, bus station.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Relojes Centenario, Barranca de los Jilgueros, Panteón, Cascada Tulimán) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rain and fog fixtures so canyon and waterfall days can go green or be swapped.
Sources
- officialZacatlán municipal government
- officialRelojes Centenario
- officialBarranca de los Jilgueros
- secondaryWikivoyage: Zacatlán, revision 5251675 (CC BY-SA 4.0)